Mastering Career, Leadership, and Personal Life: Insights from a Women’s Leadership Coach
I've often found myself walking a tightrope, balancing a career and personal life. Managing caring responsibilities (as a mother, a grandmother, and a daughter). On top of that, there is looking after a household and all that entails from shopping, managing accounts, home maintenance, and gardens. The list can go on and on. Oh… I didn’t even mention relationships and our personal health that all place demands on our emotional and physical well-being.
Over the years, I have made sacrifices, learned many lessons, and adjusted my career and life path. Today, I want to share some of what I have learned along the way. I hope these lessons will help you navigate a career and personal life that gives you fulfillment.
1. Prioritise Ruthlessly
One thing I learned but took a long time to apply was how important it is to prioritise. As working women, our to-do lists can feel never-ending, and we get overwhelmed.
Split up what is on the to-do list into four categories: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. This helps keep your focus on what really matters, both at work and in your personal life… forget the dusting!
2. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
Setting boundaries is crucial. I was guilty of letting work spill over into my personal time, checking emails at night and taking calls after hours. I realise now that our children grow up so quickly and that time you never get back. Other important relationships suffer too.
Set clear boundaries: work stays within designated hours, and evenings and weekends are for family and self-care. Communicating these boundaries can be hard, I know, but on the flip side, you are role-modeling a healthy work-life balance to your team, maintaining your sanity, and giving important time to those you care most about.
3. Delegate and Empower
As women, we often feel the need to prove ourselves by taking on more than we can handle. Too often we hear ourselves saying “yes” to the extra work or agreeing to do something for someone else when we are already swamped with commitments.
Learning to delegate to others at work or at home can be a game-changer. Show you trust your team by empowering them with responsibilities and allowing them to grow. This will create a more collaborative and productive workplace. Ask for help at home… though I do admit I am still practicing this one! Expressing what you need and asking for help doesn’t just give you time back; it reduces your tensions and resentment if you feel like everything is left for you.
4. Embrace Flexibility
Flexibility is key in balancing career and personal life. Life is unpredictable; being rigid can lead to unnecessary and unwanted stress. I've learned that being flexible will help with managing your stress. Adapt your schedule as needed so you can go with the flow of life rather than trying to swim upstream in a torrent of water.
5. Self-Care is Non-Negotiable
Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. We can’t perform at our best or care for others if our fuel gauge is sitting on empty. Self-care doesn’t just have to be about regular exercise and a healthy diet. Make sure you do something you love and brings you joy. This could be something you enjoyed as a child before you had competing demands on your time.
6. Create a Support Network
Whether it's family, friends, a community group, a mentor, a sponsor, or professional networks, having people to lean on or connect with makes a huge difference. I am a member of a volunteer organisation, and many members have become friends. I am also a member of a women’s network and business network. These groups offer strength, connection, and learning opportunities. Seeking and accepting help is a strength, not a weakness.
7. Celebrate Small Wins
Finally, celebrate the small wins to stay positive and motivated. Too often we compare our achievements to those of others. Remember that their journey is not yours. Do what you value and what aligns with your beliefs and passions. Take time to acknowledge and celebrate the small wins. Celebrate wins with your teammates and your family.
Final words
Balancing career and personal life as a woman is an ongoing journey and will need adjustment as you go through different stages. I didn’t have it right, and I am still learning along the way. To all women out there, remember: you are not alone in this journey, and finding your balance is not only possible but also immensely rewarding.
If you found these tips helpful, share with a friend or colleague. You can reach me for a personalised strategy session to design a path for your future on our ‘Contact Us’ page.
Cheers
Sonia